Joint replacement surgery: what to expect and how to prepare

More than a million joint replacements are done every year. Many people go from constant pain and limited steps to walking without a limp. If you’re thinking about surgery, here’s a clear, practical guide that tells you what matters: who’s a good candidate, how to pick a surgeon, and what recovery really looks like.

If pain limits daily life despite medicine, physiotherapy, or injections, joint replacement can make sense. The most common types are knee and hip replacements, but shoulders and ankles are done too. You don’t need perfect health, but good control of diabetes, heart issues, and stopping smoking help outcomes a lot.

Choosing the right surgery and surgeon

Surgeon skill matters more than fancy implants. Look for a surgeon who does many replacements yearly and works at a hospital with an established joint program. Ask about their revision rates, infection rates, and whether they use standardized pathways for recovery. Meet them, ask to see before-and-after X-rays, and make sure you understand the type of implant they recommend—metal, ceramic, or plastic components all have trade-offs.

Also ask practical questions: how long is the expected hospital stay, what anesthesia will be used, and who handles your rehab plan. If your surgeon is part of a multidisciplinary team (physio, pain specialist, nurse coordinator), that’s a good sign.

Recovery and what to expect

Recovery starts on day one with walking and simple exercises. Most people leave the hospital in one to three days for hip and knee replacements, sometimes same-day for selected cases. Expect swelling and soreness for weeks; pain drops steadily after the first two weeks. Physical therapy is the key—stick to the plan and do daily exercises to regain strength and range of motion.

Preventing complications matters: follow wound care instructions, take blood-thinning meds if prescribed to lower clot risk, and watch for fever, persistent redness, or increased pain that could signal infection. Avoid high-impact sports for several months; low-impact activities like walking, cycling, and swimming are safer long-term.

Simple home prep speeds healing: clear trip hazards, set up a main-floor bedroom if stairs hurt, and have easy meals ready. Use assistive devices as recommended—canes, raised toilet seats, or reachers prevent setbacks.

Most implants last 15–25 years depending on activity level and implant type. Keep scheduled follow-ups and report new pain or instability early—early fixes are easier than late revisions. If you want reading on implants, medication, or rehab tips, check our related posts for practical buying and safety advice.

If you’re weighing options, talk openly with your surgeon about goals, risks, and recovery time. Good planning and steady rehab usually lead to much better days ahead.